Today is November 1st, also known as the first day of Movember!

If you’re not familiar with the Movember, it’s the world’s largest fundraiser for prostate cancer research.

For 30 days, guys who sign up agree to grow mustaches and ask friends, family and coworkers to support them by donating money to the cause. Instead of a one day walk or marathon, the mustache creates a unique conversation-starter. Curious people will undoubtedly ask, “Dude, what’s up with the ‘stache?” and the Mo’Bro will have a unique opportunity to say, “I’m growing a mustache to raise awareness and money for cancers that affect men. Did you know that prostate cancer kills 32,000 men each year?”

The donations benefit The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

And let’s be honest, Movember is a great excuse to finally take that mustache for a test drive.

The first rule of Movember is that Mo’Bros must begin the month clean-shaven. Nick Burns, co-author of The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face, decided to shave his beard for the first time in two years! He visited barber extraordinaire Shorty Maniace for a straight-razor shave. And here’s the video to prove it!

You can donate to Movember and sponsor Nick in his fundraising efforts by clicking here. For every dollar Nick raises, his employer will match—so every dollar is worth two!

If you’re interested in growing a mustache of your own and raising money for a great cause, visit Movember.com.

For a limited time, Wahl is offering a limited-edition Movember facial hair trimmer! Buy a trimmer from Wahl, and the company will donate $10 to Movember. Visit WahlNation.com for more details!

Jay Della Valle, Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns

The Bearded Gentlemen behind The Bearded Gentleman are on tour! Meet Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns in person, get a signed copy of the book and chat about your hirsute pursuits.Here’s where you’ll find them:

UPCOMING EVENTS

No events planned at this time.

PAST EVENTS

August 26, 2010, 7:30pm: Reading and Book Signing at Books Inc. 2275 Market Street, San Francisco

June 26, 2010, 2:00 – 5:00 pm: Book Signing at Borders Books Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco

June 19, 2010, 2:00 – 5:00 pm: Book Signing at Borders Books San Francisco Centre, 845 Market Street, San Francisco

June 5, 2010, 9:00 pm : Release Party (open to all), Powerhouse, 1347 Folsom Street, San Francisco

May 25, 2010, 6:00 – 9:00 pm : Release Party hosted by Gilt Man and The Men’s Book (by invitation only), John Allan’s, Chicago, IL

May 24, 2010, 6:00 – 9:00 pm: Official Release Party (by invitation only). Martial Vivot Salon Pour Hommes, New York, NY

Gilt MAN Bookmark

Gilt MAN, our favorite high-end/low-price shopping site, and Men’s Book editor-in-chief Matt Lee hosted a wonderful party to celebrate the release of The Bearded Gentleman in Chicago on May 25th.

Dozens of gentleman (both bearded and clean-shaven) stopped by John Allan’s penthouse salon for some whisky tastings from Johnnie Walker, custom shirt fittings by Clifton Charles, and of course, shoe shines, hair trims and grooming services by John Allan’s stylists.

Gilt MAN dressed Nick for the occasion. He wore a jacket by Band of Outsiders, shirt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label, jeans by Rag & Bone, and a tie by John Varvatos.

If you couldn’t attend the party, here are some photos!

Photos by Barry Brecheisen, courtesy of Gilt MAN

It’s not too late to join Gilt MAN, the private and exclusive site for men’s fashion, grooming and more. Visit giltman.com/tbgchicago to sign up and get up to 70 percent off designer duds!

May 24th marked the official book release party for The Bearded Gentleman in New York City. Dozens of friends stopped by Martial Vivot Salon Pour Hommes to toast the book and all things furry. It was a fantastic affair with drinks by Ketel One Vodka. Guests went home with beard trimmers by Wahl, gift certificates to Gilt Man, and a lucky handful received DVDs and CDs of The Glorius Mustache Challenge (a documentary by the mustachioed Jay Della Valle).

A very special thanks to Martial Vivot and his incredible staff, Janice, Wahl, Gilt Groupe, Hunter PR, Nutter Media, and everyone who helped out at the event–especially Robert for shaking up some great drinks and Heather for the countless things she did.

If you missed the party, check out the photos below! More to come!

May 5th wasn’t just Cinco de Mayo, it was Cinco de Mustache! At the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, students celebrated the release of The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face. Fake mustaches, Coronas and Nachos were the order of the day. Co-author Nick Burns signed copies of the book for friends and classmates. If you have photos from a Bearded Gentleman event and would like to share them, email them to info@beardedgentleman.com